Plainview - Old Bethpage Schools Class of 2023

Members of the POBJFKHS Class of 2023 gathered at the Tilles Center on June 25 for their commencement ceremony.

Families, teachers, staff and administrators gathered on June 25th to celebrate the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFKHS) Class of 2023 during the school’s commencement ceremony, taking place at the Tilles Center.

The speakers reflected on the students’ unique high school careers—marked by the onset of the pandemic during their freshman year—making special mention of their resiliency in the face of uncertain times. The ceremony had an added element of bittersweetness; it was the last overseen by POBJFKHS Principal James Murray, who is retiring after more than 20 years at the high school.

Valedictorian Cooper Davis urged his peers to take risks and to not be afraid of failure. “As you leave the Hawks Nest, graduating class, may you all fearlessly soar to incredible heights, where you will discover uncharted territory,” Cooper said. “Territory where you may fail, but territory where failing isn’t failing. Wherein by the pure root of failure, you succeed.”

Salutatorian Sophia Gu advised her peers to embrace new experiences in their adult lives and to remember the ones they had during their high school years. “As you journey to the future, remember the support and laughter of friends you grew up with and carry them in your daily interactions,” Sophia said. “Remember the food you ate and the conversations that followed during your off periods in the cafeteria, and seek the same authenticity in future connections. Take the lessons you learned from your favorite teachers, academic or otherwise, and use it to guide your upcoming decisions.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara spoke of the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with people and things, and to not fear getting rid of elements in their lives that may hurt them.

Despite all challenges,

“Before launching into the next phase of your life, I encourage you to intentionally reflect on the people and things who serve you well,” Dr. O’Meara said. “The people you included in your life who challenged you, included you, cheered you on and comforted you. Conversely, identify the people and things that did not serve you well, that dimmed your ability to shine. Knowing who and what to not let into your life is equally important.”

Dr. O’Meara also advised the students to not be discouraged if their lives after high school do not immediately go to plan. “The adjustment to life after high school is great, and the journey is not always linear,” she said. “But if you are connected to people and things that serve you well, you will be ok.”

In his departing words to the students, Principal Murray reflected on his efforts to stay in touch with them during the early days of the pandemic, and how much determination they have shown during their high school tenure. He noted that despite the learning and instructional challenges, 100 percent of the class of 405 students were graduating that day, with an unprecedented number of scholarships and accolades. “It is a testament to your determination to succeed and to not let anything holding you back,” he said.

Finally, Mr. Murray left the students with the words from the poem “I Wish You Enough” by Bob Perks:

“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep the spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wants. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.”